South London Cares is a community network of young professionals and older neighbours across Southwark and Lambeth offering one another a little extra time, social connection and human companionship.

Our work tackles the growing problem of isolation and loneliness in our capital city. We aim to help improve the confidence, resilience, skills and connections of all participants so that old and young can better navigate a rapidly changing modern world.

We do this because south London is a place of social extremes. The boroughs in which we work – Southwark and Lambeth – contain some of the best connected people in Britain; high-flying graduates working in finance, media, the law, PR and fashion. These people have plenty of connections, but few roots in their community. And yet they live next door to older neighbours (65+), who've been in London their entire lives and therefore have plenty of roots, but few connections.

That wastes human potential, perpetuates social division, entrenches isolation and is ultimately corrosive for our society.

So South London Cares aims to bring these two groups together. Our projects break down many of the modern-day barriers to social interaction, connecting people who may not normally interact and bringing our communities closer together – to help all feel visible, vibrant and valued.